Computers: A First Look - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

1 / 14
About This Presentation
Title:

Computers: A First Look

Description:

How do computers pervade our every day lives? What is considered a computer and what is not? Why do ... The Abacus is not a computer by our definition. ... – PowerPoint PPT presentation

Number of Views:22
Avg rating:3.0/5.0
Slides: 15
Provided by: charle88
Category:

less

Transcript and Presenter's Notes

Title: Computers: A First Look


1
Computers A First Look
  • How do computers affect your life?
  • In this chapter
  • How do computers pervade our every day lives?
  • What is considered a computer and what is not?
  • Why do computers use the binary system?
  • What are some characteristics of different types
    of computers?

2
The Computer Invasion
  • 615 AM - Timer in coffee maker turns on
  • 630 AM - Computerized alarm clock rings
  • 730 AM - Drive car/airbag,brakes,radio
  • 800 AM - Check email at work
  • 900 AM - Check in-coming voice mail
  • 1000 AM - Receive in-coming fax
  • 1200 PM - Buy gift. Electronic Kiosk
  • 115 PM - Reserve airline ticket over Internet
  • 300 PM - Pick up paycheck
  • 515 PM - Stop off at ATM
  • 630 PM - Grocery store /Checkout
  • 1130 PM - Microwave dinner

3
What Is (and Isnt) a Computer
  • Definition
  • A computer is a device which takes data in one
    form, uses it, and produces a different form of
    information which is related to (but not the same
    as) the original data.

4
What Is (and Isnt) a Computer
  • The Abacus is not a computer by our definition.
  • It is an early calculation device that only holds
    numbers for the person using it.

5
What Is (and Isnt) a Computer
  • Stonehenge is a computer by our definition.
  • It takes the movement of the planets, sun and
    other heavenly bodies and provides information
    concerning eclipses and other astronomical events.

6
What Is (and Isnt) a Computer
  • The bathroom scale is a computer by our
    definition.
  • It takes in the amount of gravitational pull
    between a human body and the earth and provides
    us with the amount of pounds or kilograms.

7
What Is (and Isnt) a Computer
  • A calculator is a computer by our definition.
  • They range from doing simple arithmetic to
    powerful models that produce graphic output.

8
Basic Concepts of Computers
  • Minimal configurations of a typical computer
    include
  • input units
  • output units
  • memory
  • central processing unit

9
Basic Concepts of Computers
  • Computer Hardware
  • The electronics and associated mechanical parts
    of the computer.
  • Computer Software
  • Consists of instructions that control the
    hardware and cause the desired process to happen

10
The Many Kinds of Computers
  • The three major comparisons of computers are
  • Electronic computers versus Mechanical computers
  • General-purpose versus Special-purpose computers
  • Digital versus Analog computers

11
The Many Kinds of Computers
  • Electronic Computers
  • Constructed from transistors that use electricity
    to function.
  • Mechanical Computers
  • Do not use electricity to function.
  • Constructed of a combination of gears, levers and
    springs.

12
The Many Kinds of Computers
  • General-purpose Computers
  • Were not manufactured to do any one thing.
  • Changeable to do any task.
  • Special-purpose Computers
  • Manufactured to do a predetermined task or set of
    tasks.

13
The Many Kinds of Computers
  • Digital Computers
  • One that functions in discretely varying
    quantities.
  • Produces or gives results that are also
    discretely varying.
  • Analog Computers
  • One that functions in continuously varying
    quantities.
  • Produces or gives results that are also
    continuously varying.

14
The General-Purpose Digital Computer
  • The General-Purpose Digital Computer
  • Accepts information of many kinds.
  • Changes it in a way that is controlled by humans.
  • Presents results in a way usable by humans.
Write a Comment
User Comments (0)
About PowerShow.com